Starting the Year with Intention

January has always felt like a pause to me — a quiet moment between what was and what’s ahead. While the world often rushes into resolutions and big declarations, I’ve learned that I need something softer, more intentional, and more connected to truly reset for the year. 

A few years ago, my husband and I realized that no matter how much we wanted to set meaningful goals, life kept getting in the way. Busy schedules, daily responsibilities, and constant distractions meant our intentions were often rushed, postponed, or never fully revisited once the year began. We wanted to do things differently — not just check a box, but really take the time to think about what mattered most to us, both personally and professionally. 

That’s how our “goal vacation” was born. 

Each January, we carve out a week just for this purpose. We start every morning together with coffee and notebooks, talking through our goals, writing them down, and getting aligned — on life, on my business, and on the year ahead. That time is intentional and protected. Once the morning is done, we close the notebooks, go to lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day together without pressure or expectations. 

What I love most about this rhythm is that goal-setting doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. It feels thoughtful. Connected. Grounded. Because we schedule the time we need, we’re able to give these conversations our full attention — without squeezing them into an already busy life. And because it’s paired with a vacation, I end the week feeling both relaxed and genuinely excited to return to my work. 

There’s something powerful about slowing down enough to ask the right questions: 
What do we want more of this year? 
What matters most right now? 
What no longer feels aligned? 

For me, this time of reflection carries directly into my creative work. When I return to the studio, I don’t feel scattered or unsure. I feel focused, energized, and ready. The goals aren’t just written down — they’re felt. And because my husband and I have talked through them together, we’re able to support and encourage each other throughout the year in meaningful ways. 

This approach may not look like traditional goal-setting, and that’s exactly why it works for us. It reminds me that intention doesn’t have to be rushed, rigid, or loud. It can be calm. It can be collaborative. It can leave room for both ambition and joy. 

As the year begins, my hope — for myself and for anyone reading this — is to find a way to reset that feels right for you. Whether that looks like a quiet morning with a notebook, a long walk, or a week away from distractions, the most important thing is creating space to listen to what you truly need. 

Here’s to a new year approached with intention, connection, and a little more grace.